And Saturday's goal hero Stuart Herlihy's fortunes changed as he was harshly sent off in the first half.

Brakes needed a win to put themselves out of reach of second placed Nuneaton but they never really got going against an impressive visiting side who have their own promotion ambitions.

Chasetown were gifted the lead on six minutes when Leamington's defence failed to clear and Dean Perrow was left the simple task of slotting into an empty net.

Leamington's response was almost immediate as Mark Bellingham pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and tried to square for Chris Murphy only for Chad Sheppard to get a boot in and diverting it into the grateful arms of keeper Ryan Price.

This was a sign things were not going to go Leamington's way for the rest of the afternoon.

The home side, perhaps nervous because of the expectation of a large crowd, did not seem to be able to play their usual passing game and every stray pass seemed to spring a Chasetown attack.

Despite a couple of decent attempts from Brakes the visitors always looked the most likely to score and although they could not add to their lead in the first half they found themselves with a numerical advantage just before half time.

Herlihy leapt into to an aerial challenge with Chasetown's Vaughan Thomas and the later went down clutching his face.

On seeing blood the referee showed the Leamington man a straight red card.

Video evidence suggests the players clashed heads and the Chasetown player is alleged to have said the clash was accidental but the official indicated an elbow had been used.

A tough task had become even more difficult for the home side but they created an opening before the break as Liam Reynolds played a dangerous cross into the 18-yard box, which was cleared by a hesitant defence.

Brakes started the second half with more purpose and Mark Bellingham caused problems for the vistors' defence but this soon turned to frustration.

James Husband lost possession on the wing and John Branch put in a good cross for Perrow who shot wide when it was easier to score.

In the build up Leamington keeper Chris Kiely appeared to have been given a nudge but this was not spotted by the officials much to the anger of the home supporters.

Husband and Bellingham were booked and assistant manager Morton Titterton was sent away from the Leamington bench, all during a break in play.

Both the players and management were not happy with how things were going and Leamington were two down as Ben Steane was presented with a simple finish as the home defence was carved open.

Steane could have wrapped things up a few minutes afterwards but he shot straight at Kiely.

The missed chance did not matter as Chasetown went three up on 70 minutes with a looping header by Gary Birch from a free kick.
Only with ten minutes left did Leamington start to play as well as they can.

A cross from Bellingham was almost touched in by substitutes Josh Blake and then Jai Stanley.

Stanley scored a consolation in the final minutes, ramming home a loose ball after Blake had rattled the cross bar with a powerful shot.
But any further goals would have flattered Leamington as Chasetown were worthy winners.

Leamington: Chris Kiely, Marcus Jackson, Ryan Parisi, Guy Sanders (C), Martin Hier (Josh Blake, 66), Stuart Herlihy, Steve Palmer (Liam Reynolds, 35), Chris Murphy, Luke Corbett (Jai Stanley, 63), Mark Bellingham, James Husband
Subs not used: Adam Cooper, Richard Anstiss.

Chasetown: Ryan Price, John Branch, Mark Branch, Chris Slater, Vaughan Thomas (Joe Williams, 40), Richard Teesdale (C), Ben Steane, Chad Sheppard, Gary Birch (Harry Harris,90), Dean Perrow (Danny Smith, 80), Richard Batchelor.
Subs not used: Craig Holland, Williams Ricketts.

Attendance: 1161

Next Match: v Malvern Town (Home) 3pm.